7 Benefits of Cold Showers After a Workout

Exercise is beneficial to overall health, but what you do after also makes a difference. Apart from helping maintain good personal hygiene, hitting the shower can spell the difference between a good workout and an amazing one. Here are seven benefits of cold showers after a workout (apart from beating the sweltering summer heat!).

Taking cold showers constricts the blood vessels as the body works to keep you warm, which, in turn, increases circulation. Over time, this increase in blood flow can help decrease inflammation and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, it helps wounds heal faster and gives your skin a natural glow.

There is a popular notion that hot showers can relax the muscles. However, a study in the Journal of Sports Science notes that reduced muscle soreness is also among the benefits of cold showers. It has regenerative properties and that help your muscles recover after a rigorous workout. As counterintuitive as it may seem, go on, and put the cold water on full blast. You’ll feel refreshed and rested after. 

Did you know that a cold shower after a workout can also help boost weight loss? A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that brown fat, which produces heat to maintain body temperature, also burns more calories in the process. These fats reside on the neck and shoulders – usually the spots in the body most exposed to water when showering.

A 2016 study published in the Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology and Research found that cold water tightens and constricts blood flow in the body. It hydrates and detoxifies the cells and improves skin and muscle tone. Unlike hot water, cold water doesn’t strip the skin of its natural moisture. It also helps smoothen hair cuticles, resulting in silky and shiny hair.

Working out releases much-needed endorphins in the body and taking cold showers after can stimulate the nervous system even more. The cold temperature releases hormonal signals that help enhance mood and improve the psychological function of the mind and body. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, these hormones fight cortisol and act as natural painkillers. Apart from reducing stress, they also ward off feelings of anxiety.

While self-care can help with mental health, cold showers specifically increase mindfulness. A blast of icy water stimulates the body and prompts the mind to pay attention. This enhanced awareness can help you listen to your body better, especially after a workout session. It can also help us relax and increase our ability to handle stress.

Taking an icy rinse offers protection against diseases. It increases the number of white blood cells in the body, as cited in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. These cells are responsible for maintaining a strong immune system. They circulate through the bloodstream, looking out for foreign organisms that can threaten your health.

If the thought of hitting the showers in frigid temperatures still doesn’t sound that appealing, ease into it, rather than taking it all at once. The cooler temperatures can shock the body, so start with lukewarm water before going all the way. Introduce the cold sensation to one body part at a time.

Use LIFEBUOY Antibacterial Bodywash Total 10 to complete the shower experience. It protects the skin from germs and bacteria. It will help keep you fresh and clean all day, along with Dove Ultimate Repair Deodorant Spray, a deodorant that smoothens underarm skin while protecting it from sweat and odor.

Feel cool and refreshed while reaping the benefits of cold showers the next time you hit the gym. In this heat? It should be a treat for you and your skin! You might also want to read this article on the effects of hot showers on your skin, hair, teeth, and more.